Complementary & Alternative Health

Complementary & Alternative Health Interventional Therapies for all types of chronic and acute pain conditions Alternative Medical Treatments for Pain Conditions eg injuries, diseases ect

Knee Pain when climbing stairs is not just a joint issue. Let's explain πŸ€”Most people think knee pain, when climbing stai...
15/04/2026

Knee Pain when climbing stairs is not just a joint issue. Let's explain πŸ€”

Most people think knee pain, when climbing stairs, comes from joint damage or aging cartilage. But the real issue often lies in how the kneecap moves during motion, where small imbalances in the quadricep muscles cause the patella to track slightly out of place, increasing pressure and friction against the femur everytime you step up.

Which leads to pain that feels like a joint issue but is actually a biomechanical tracking issue that worsens with repeated movement.
Stair pain feels different than walking pain because stairs demands more from the knee joint than walking on a flat surface.

Specifically, scaling stairs demands more pressure on the kneecap, especially when going downstairs. Stair pain is a clinical clue when going up or down, steps hurts more than walking. It often tells us the kneecap and cartilage system isn't tracking or absorbing force correctly.

WHEN STAIR KNEE PAIN MEANS YOU NEED TREATMENT:
Treatment is needed if you have pain lasting more than 2-3 weeks. Swelling after activity. Pain going down the leg consistently. Buckling, giving out instability. Locking, catching or inability to fully straighten. Difficulty in weight-bearing.

Pain disrupting sleep. If stair pain is changing the way you move, it becomes a biomechanics issue that can accelerate cartilage wear and increase injury risk well beyond discomfort.

TREATMENT:
Most stair-related knee pain cases can be treated without surgery, especially when treated early. Common non-surgical solutions include precision evaluation. Treatment focuses on identifying the true cause, not relying on guesswork, so treatment can be targeted and efficient.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

The Steering Wheel Slouch: Why your upper back pain while driving πŸ€”Do you commute for long distances, only to suffer fro...
14/04/2026

The Steering Wheel Slouch: Why your upper back pain while driving πŸ€”

Do you commute for long distances, only to suffer from a deep, exhausting, burning ache right between the shoulder blades? Does it feel like a heavy, hot brick is resting on the upper back, making you constantly want to roll your shoulders? Look at the left side of the image. Most drivers assume their car seat lacks "lumbar support" and buy expensive cushions. But look at the right side. If the pain is exclusively between the shoulder blades, the seat isn't the problem.
The position of your arm is actively pulling your skeleton apart.

The Anatomy:The Tension Bridge: Your shoulder blades sit flat on your upper back, held securely in place by a massive kite-shaped muscle (the trapezius) and deeper tie-down muscles (the rhomboids). The job of these muscles is to pull your shoulders backwards and keep your chest open.

THE BIOMECHANICS OF THE GLITCH: When you sit in your car and reach your arms straight out to hold the top of the steering wheel (the action pose above). The heavy weight of your extended arms violently drags both of your shoulder joints inward and forward (the massive green arrows). You are physically collapsing your chest and rounding your upper spine.

THE CONSEQUENCE - THE BACK BURN:
Because the shoulders are dragged to the front, the tie-down muscles in the upper back are forced into a brutal, non-stop tug-and-war. They are violently overstretched, pulled far beyond their natural resting length.

Over a 45 minute commute, these overstretched muscles becomes completely exhausted, burn with severe inflammation (the vibrant red zone) and literally begin to micro-tear at their anchor points (the white orbs). The burning ache you feel is the back muscles actively tearing because of loosing the fight against your arms.

HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE:
The "T-Rex" Driving Position - bring the steering wheel towards you. Adjust your seat forward and pull the steering wheel out so your elbows are are heavily bent and resting near your rib cage. This instantly removes the green arrows of pulling force πŸ˜‰

Hold the Bottom of the Steering Wheel - stop driving with your hands at "10 and 2 o' clock" at the top of the steering wheel. Rest your hands at the bottom (4 and 8 o' clock). This drops your shoulders and completely shuts off the burning muscles in your back. πŸ˜‰

The Doorway Chest Stretch - To fix the burning back, you must stretch the front. Stand in a doorway and stretch your chest daily to let the shoulder blades glide backwards, giving your overstretched back a rest. πŸ˜‰

TREATMENT:
Suffering from shoulder blade pain due to driving. Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Why my Feet burns at night πŸ€”If your feet feels like it's burning at night, especially when you're lying down,  the real ...
13/04/2026

Why my Feet burns at night πŸ€”

If your feet feels like it's burning at night, especially when you're lying down, the real cause is nerve irritation, because the nerve that travels from your lower back all the way down into your feet can become sensitive or slightly compressed along the way, and when your body is at rest and external distractions are reduced, that signal becomes more noticeable, which is why the burning sensation often feels stronger at night.

Burning feet syndrome is a set of symptoms in which the feet become uncomfortable hot and painful. The burning sensation may become more intense at night with some relief occurring during the day. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. The heat and pain can be limited to the soles of the feet, but it might also affect the top of the feet, the ankles and calves.

Diabetes-related Peripheral Neuropathy develops gradually and may worsen over time. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - the tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside the ankle near the ankle bones. Compression or squeezing of the posterior tibial nerve inside the arch can result in sensations of burning, tingling or pain in parts of the feet.

The ankles and calves can also be affected. Morton's Neuroma is nerve tissue that becomes thickening between the bones at the base of the toes, causing pain. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a painful nerve disorder that may occur after surgery.

SYMPTOMS:
Most common symptoms include sensations of heat or burning, often worsening at night. Numbness in the feet or legs. Sharp or stabbing pain. Feeling of heaviness in the feet. Dull ache in the feet. Skin redness or excess warmth. Pricking, tingling or a feeling of "pins and needles" (paresthesia). Symptoms worsen at night due to lack of distractions, body temperature fluctuations or reduced pressure from walking.

TREATMENT:
If your feet won't stop burning and you're not sure why, there's a good chance to as burning feet syndrome. The causes are numerous, but the symptoms occurs due to issues with the nerves. Luckily this condition is treatable.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Let's explain some things a person suffering from dizziness go through daily, so we can better understand. Before you ju...
09/04/2026

Let's explain some things a person suffering from dizziness go through daily, so we can better understand. Before you judge.........πŸ€”

FOR NOT WORKING:
Dizziness can turn a relatively small task, like answering an email, into a big challenge. It's not about a lack of effort, it's about living with symptoms that sometimes feel outside of their control.

FOR "LOOKING FINE" ON THE OUTSIDE:
Just because you can't see dizziness doesn't mean it isn't there. Invisible illnesses don't always come with visible signs.

FOR FEELING EXHAUSTED: Persistent dizziness and imbalance drain energy. What looks like "just a little tired" is actually the body working overtime to stay upright and process the world.

FOR CANCELLING PLANS (AGAIN): It's a form of self-care. Symptoms can change, and sometimes rest or recovery has to come first. Canceling plans at the last minute should not be confused with flakiness or a lack of care.

FOR NOT BEING PRODUCTIVE: Dizziness makes focussing, reading, household chores and even scrolling, difficult. Which means productivity can look different too. Some days it's crossing off a whole list, other days it's just getting out of bed.

INVISIBILITY doesn't mean IMAGINARY πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

The Dizziness Muscle: Why your neck is causing brain fog πŸ€”Do you frequently suffer from unexplained dizziness, a "heavy"...
08/04/2026

The Dizziness Muscle: Why your neck is causing brain fog πŸ€”

Do you frequently suffer from unexplained dizziness, a "heavy" feeling in the head or a sharp tension headache that settles right behind the eyes? Have you checked your vision and hydration, but the foggy feeling still won't go away?

Most people assume these are just regular migraines or signs of exhaustion. But if these symptoms are paired with a stiff neck, you might be looking in the wrong place entirely. You are likely dealing with a mechanical lockdown of the SCM muscle.

THE NECK ANCHOR:
What exactly is pulling on your skull? The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a thick, powerful muscle on both sides of the neck. It attaches right behind the ear (at the base of the skull) and runs all the way down to the collarbone. It's job is to turn the head and tilt the chin.

The biomechanics of the glitch, when spending hours leaning forward looking down at a computer or phone, you create extreme "forward head posture".

THE MECHANICAL NIGHTMARE: Because the heavy head is hanging forward, the SCM muscle has to remain completely contracted to stop the head from falling. Over time, it adapts, physically shrinks and locks into a concrete-like spasm. When the SCM locks up, it creates a mechanical nightmare.

The trigger points inside this muscle are referring pain to different areas. The tension chokes local tissues and sends chaotic sensory signals to the brain, which manifests as dizziness, ringing in ears, blurred vision and pain behind the eyes.

TREATMENT:
Your brain feels foggy because your neck is in a structural vice.
Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Primary Restriction vs Secondary Pain: understanding the hidden biomechanics πŸ€”Pain is often not where the real problem s...
07/04/2026

Primary Restriction vs Secondary Pain: understanding the hidden biomechanics πŸ€”

Pain is often not where the real problem starts. The area a patient feels pain is frequently a secondary compensation, while the true cause lies elsewhere in the body as a primary restriction.

Biomechanically, the body functions as a continuous kinetic chain. A restriction at the pelvis can alter spinal loading, rib mechanics and shoulder movement. Similarly, a restriction in the upper spine can change pelvic alagnment and hip mechanics.

PRIMARY RESTRICTION - THE ROOT CAUSE:
A primary restriction is a segment of the body that has lost normal mobility, commonly in the upper cervical spine, thoracic spine, pelvis or hip. When one region becomes stiff or dysfunctional, the body must adapt to maintain upright posture, balance and visual alignment.

These restrictions often exist without obvious pain, initially making them easy to miss during assessment.

SECONDARY COMPENSATION & PAIN REFERRAL:
When a primary restriction is present, adjacent or distant regions are forced to move more than they should. Over time, these overworked areas develop muscle tension, joint stress and inflammation, becoming the sites where pain is felt.

This is why patients may complain of low back pain, buttock pain, shoulder pain or neck discomfort. Even though the true biomechanical fault is located elsewhere.

WHY TREATING ONLY THE PAIN, OFTEN FAILS:
Treating the painful area alone may provide temporary relief, but if the primary restriction is not corrected, symptoms often return. This explains why many people experience recurring pain despite repeated treatments that focused only on the site of pain/discomfort.

CLINICAL & REHABILITATION PERSPECTIVE:
Effective rehabilitation requires identifying and correcting the primary restriction, restoring normal joint motion, muscle balance and movement patterns.

Once the root cause is addressed, secondary pain area are relieved naturally as the body no longer needs to compensate.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Pain is often the final signal, not the first problem. To achieve lasting results, the entire body should be assessed as a connective system rather than only focus on the symptoms.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

02/04/2026

Let's explain the different colours of mucus πŸ€”

Have you been puzzled by the colour of mucus in their different hues? Firstly you should know where mucus is produced, the sinus cavities. The sinus cavities not only generate the viscous substance, but also act as a crumple zone, resonance box, lighten the head weight.

Mucus is vital to our health. It moisturizes air coming in through the nose, also traps and help expel germs, bacteria, foreign particles, viruses and other pollutants, besides lubricating the various parts of the breathing mechanism. So you see, mucus is not all that bad.

MUCUS COLOUR:
Mucus colour is produced in part by the kind of cells the immune system reproduce to combat disease, foreign intrusions ect. This, coupled with other symptoms, serves to identify the kind of malady or condition we may be experiencing at the time. Some food we eat can also produce histamine or mucus as well as colour eg white mucus is associated with drinking milk.

Physical environment also affect the production of mucus and it's colour eg dry air can produce light yellow mucus. Colour of mucus itself cannot determine a condition inside the body.

CLEAR WATERY MUCUS:
This is the mucus that is normal and that should be secreted by the sinus membranes continually. It keeps the breathing mechanism functioning correctly and therefore it is produced abundantly, one or two pints per day. Sometimes it's production is so abundant that it drips through the nose.

This can be a sign of an irritation caused by an allergic reaction to the environment, cold virus or rhinitis (hay fever). Usually it's just a reaction to a temporary irritation that may go away by itself.

GREEN MUCUS:
It can be an indication of a bacterial infection. Especially if the green nasal mucus is accompanied by fever and pain and it has been experienced for several days.

Green mucus can also be a sign of bronchitis if one or more of the following is present, coughing, fatique, shortness of breath after non-vigorous physical excercise, wheezing and discomfort in the chest area.

YELLOW MUCUS:
Coughing up yellow mucus can be a sign of a sinus infection,n especially when the colour changes to a dark yellow. It can also be a sign of bronchitis if its accompanied by the symptoms already described for bronchitis under green mucus.

Sometimes yellow mucus can follow sinus pressure, if the mucus has stagnate and a sinus infection has set in.

PINK MUCUS:
This colour mucus should be regarded as a sign of a potential serious condition. If pink mucus is accompanied by fatique, weakness, sudden weight gain from fluid retention, lack of appitite, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, decreased alertness, shortness of breath when lying down, persistent cough, rapid or irregular heartbeat and swollen abdomen.

BLOOD IN MUCUS:
Producing a little blood-tinged sputum (saliva mixed with mucus) is not uncommon and not potentially serious. On the other hand, coughing up blood can be caused by a variety of lung conditions.

Seek medical attention πŸ˜‰πŸ‘

Thoracic Rib Cage Pain. Let's explain πŸ€”The thoracic diaphragm is considered the major muscle of respiration. It separate...
31/03/2026

Thoracic Rib Cage Pain. Let's explain πŸ€”

The thoracic diaphragm is considered the major muscle of respiration. It separates the thoracic cavity, containing the heart and lungs, from the abdominal cavity and performs an important function in respiration. As the diaphragm contracts during inhalation, creating more space for the chest cavity, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases allowing more room for the lungs to expand.

The thoracic diaphragm has important fascial connections to the sternum, the ribs, the thoracic/lumbar spine, to abdominal organs as well as the iliopsoas muscle, which can cause major issues too. During inhalation, the diaphragm flatten, creating more space for the chest cavity to expand allowing more room for the lungs to expand.

There are 3 large openings in the diaphragm through which structures pass between the thorax and abdomen, the aortic, the esophageal and the caval openings/hiatus plus a series of smaller ones which are important for blood and lymph circulation.

The diaphragm is also involved in non-respiratory functions, helping to expel vomit, f***s and urine from the body by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and preventing acid reflux.
The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) keeps the diaphragm alive. Diaphragm muscle trigger points can lead to referred pain in the rib cage or shoulder.

The diaphragm can cause spine or stomach issues, it can prevent injuries, increase endurance and even support recovery as this muscle is involved in breathing mechanism and blood circulation.

TREATMENT:
Diaphragm/Thoracic Rib Cage treatment is available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

What is COPD? Let's explain πŸ€”Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that block airflow...
31/03/2026

What is COPD? Let's explain πŸ€”

Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make if difficult to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD. Damage to the lungs from COPD can't be reversed but it can be managed. Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The harmful chemicals in smoke can damage the lining of the lungs and airways.

CAUSES:
COPD happens when the lungs become inflamed, damaged and narrowed. The main cause is smoking, although the condition can sometimes affect people who have never smoked. The likelihood of developing COPD increases the more you smoke and the longer you've smoked.

Some cases of COPD are caused by long-term exposure to harmful fumes or dust. Others are the result of a rare generic issue which means the lungs are made more vulnerable to damage.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms might become increasingly severe and difficult to ignore. You may have symptoms as the lungs get increasingly damaged. Even mild forms of excercise, such as going up a flight of stairs can cause shortness of breath. Wheezing is a form of higher-pitched loud breathing that occurs often during excercise. Exhalations, tightness in the chest, coughing for a long time, with or without mucus. Need to clear mucus from lungs daily.

Colds, flu or other respiratory diseases on a regular basis. Energy deficiency in later stages of COPD, fatigue, swelling of the feet, ankles and legs and weight loss. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes in the lungs. It irritates then the tubes swell. Chronic bronchitis is also a cause for COPD. Emphysema affects how the lungs transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Asthma is not a cause but you can have both asthma and COPD.

TREATMENT:
Treatment focuses on clearing mucus build up in the lungs. Open airways for better airflow. Strengthening lung muscles. Clinical examination, where the lung sounds are evaluated. Crackling sounds are common in COPD.

There are 2 distinct types of crackling sounds detectable in the lungs, coarse and fine. Course crackles are typically in COPD.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

What is Meralgia Paresthetica? πŸ€”Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes tingling, numbness and burning pain in ...
26/03/2026

What is Meralgia Paresthetica? πŸ€”

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outer thigh. It's caused by compression of the nerve that provides feeling to the skin covering the thigh. The large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of the thigh.

Meralgia paresthetica is also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment. Meralgia means "pain in the thigh" and paresthetica means "burning pain, tingling or itch".

CAUSES:
Meralgia paresthetica results from the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which travels from the spinal cord through the pelvic region, down the outside of the thigh.

The compression can occur due to swelling and inflammation, injury or pressure. Factors causing the compression include injury or surgery in the hip area, diabetes. Wearing tight fitted clothes, scar tissue near the inguinal ligament, pregnancy, wearing a heavy tool belt as well as fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica only occurs on one side of the body, in the front of the upper thigh. They include pain which may extend down to the outer side of the knee. Burning, aching, tingling or numbness in the thigh. Increased pain sensitivity and worse pain after walking or standing for long periods. Meralgia paresthetica doesn't directly cause issues with your muscles or movement.

TREATMENT:
Treatment for meralgia paresthetica focuses on relieving compression on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve through hip flexor stretching, myofascial release, strengthening the gluteal muscle and core. Nerve gliding techniques.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt ...
25/03/2026

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”
Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt in the lower abdomen, from below the navel, down to the p***c area. Pelvic pain can affect both men and women, it can be acute or chronic with varying degrees of pain, depending on the cause. Common pelvic pain in such as menstrual cramps or pregnancy, whereas common pelvic pain in men, such as prostatitis or enlarged prostate.
CAUSES: You can have pelvic pain for many reasons. There are several organs in the pelvic region. Issues with any of these organs can lead to pain. Nerves, muscles and other tissues in this area can also cause pain if it becomes irritated or injured. Some of the most common causes include appendicitis, urinary tract infections, kidney infection or kidney stones diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, nerve conditions as well as hernia.
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms associated with pelvic pain include pain during in*******se or while sitting down, lower back pain or pain radiating into the thighs. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas. Painful or frequent urination as well as irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, in men re**al bleeding. Fever and vomiting in serious cases. .
The nature of the pain can take on different qualities, such as dull, stabbing, pricking, sharp or cramping sensation and may be acute or chronic. The pain can radiate to the back, waste, hips, thighs or groin area.
TREATMENT: Medical practitioners may refer you for treatment when pelvic pain is caused by musculo-skeletal abnormalities in order to treat muscle spasms and strengthen the muscles from below the navel down to the pelvic area that supports internal organs including the p***c, bladder, uterus, falopian tubes or intestines. Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt ...
25/03/2026

Let's explain Pelvic Pain πŸ€”

Pelvic pain can be concerning because it's a symptom of so many conditions. It's a pain felt in the lower abdomen, from below the navel, down to the p***c area.

Pelvic pain can affect both men and women, it can be acute or chronic with varying degrees of pain, depending on the cause. Common pelvic pain in such as menstrual cramps or pregnancy, whereas common pelvic pain in men, such as prostatitis or enlarged prostate.

CAUSES:
You can have pelvic pain for many reasons. There are several organs in the pelvic region. Issues with any of these organs can lead to pain. Nerves, muscles and other tissues in this area can also cause pain if it becomes irritated or injured.

Some of the most common causes include appendicitis, urinary tract infections, kidney infection or kidney stones diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, nerve conditions as well as hernia.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms associated with pelvic pain include pain during in*******se or while sitting down, lower back pain or pain radiating into the thighs. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas. Painful or frequent urination as well as irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, in men re**al bleeding. Fever and vomiting in serious cases. .

The nature of the pain can take on different qualities, such as dull, stabbing, pricking, sharp or cramping sensation and may be acute or chronic. The pain can radiate to the back, waste, hips, thighs or groin area.

TREATMENT:
Medical practitioners may refer you for treatment when pelvic pain is caused by musculo-skeletal abnormalities in order to treat muscle spasms and strengthen the muscles from below the navel down to the pelvic area that supports internal organs including the p***c, bladder, uterus, falopian tubes or intestines.

Treatment available, contact me for more info πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

Address

Ronwill Street 758 Ramsgate
Ramsgate
4270

Opening Hours

Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00
Thursday 09:00 - 18:00
Friday 09:00 - 18:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27767684948

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Complementary & Alternative Health posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Complementary & Alternative Health:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram